Mitsubishi Raider

First Drive: 2006 Mitsubishi Raider

Meet the Dakota's sexy cousin

Here are the facts: The new Mitsubishi Raider is a structural twin of the Dodge Dakota--chassis, powertrain, suspension; it's one of the better rebadging jobs we've seen in a while. Mitsu and Dodge have worked on several other "pairings" in the past with mixed success, but since its release from DCX control, Mitsubishi and its designers are injecting more personality into their vehicles than ever before--and the Raider is proof.

Mitsubishi designers made a hard break from the Dakota's blocky, creased, squared-off exterior looks. Raider hood and fender lines are softened, smoothed, and sculptured. The curved surfaces are meant to invoke a more toned, muscular physique, brushing up against a more dynamic or urban feel. At least, that's what chief designer David O'Connell told us as he waxed eloquent on his favorite Raider lines and angles. Likewise, the interior has less mass and distraction than its cousin; O'Connell's team shaved lots plastic out of the Dakota dash and simplified the air-conditioning controls and vents. The result is a unique-looking midsize pickup that's easy to identify as a Mitsubishi. In fact, when seen next to the Outlander and Endeavor SUVs, the family resemblance is pronounced.Unfortunately, the base engine is the bland DCX 3.7-liter V-6 that puts out 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. The larger V-8 option displaces 4.7 liters and puts out 230 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 290 pound-feet at 3600 rpm. Raiders powered by the V-6 come with a choice of six-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions, whereas the V-8 has the versatile five-speed auto (which uses two different second gears, depending on up- or downshift needs). In addition, the Raider comes in two cab configurations (Extended and Double), offers two 4x4 systems (part- and full-time), and three axle ratios (3.21:1, 3.55:1, 3.92:1). Of all the option combos, be careful about the V-6 manual. Gearing between first and second and from second to third is far too wide and forces the driver to rev the crud out of the engine just to keep it from falling on its face. The V-8 and five-speed are a much better match for both cabs, especially for those carrying a few people inside or rock in the bed. The DuroCross option package (available in V-6 or V-8, Extended or Double Cab) has bigger and better tires, the better 4x4 system, and fender-flare accents.The differences between the Raider and Dakota aren't that huge, but they're enough for the Mitsu guy who wants to have the only midsize import truck on the block with a V-8.

Mitsu is promoting the Raider as the only import V-8 alternative for buyers who don't want a full-size truck. It's offered in a number of configurations, thanks in large part to sharing its underthings with the Dodge Dakota.